Alonso on Indy 500 exit: We were just not fast enough

Fernando Alonso says his shock failure to qualify for the Indianapolis 500 is disappointing, but concedes McLaren was simply not “fast enough” to deserve a spot on the grid.

The two-time Formula 1 world champion suffered a humiliating return to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with the McLaren team and was left fighting for the final three places on the grid after being unable to secure his place in the iconic race on the first day of qualifying.

Alonso turned in his best four-lap average of the event on his final run on ‘Bump Day’ but was knocked out when Kyle Kaiser - driving for minnow outfit Juncos Racing - pipped the Spaniard’s effort by just 0.019mph on the last run.

It means Alonso will miss next weekend’s 103rd running of the Indy 500, having quit F1 at the end of last season to focus on his goal of winning the historic race at his second attempt to complete motorsport’s triple crown.

"It has been a very long qualifying, nearly 56 hours from Saturday morning,” Alonso said. “On Saturday, we were 31st instead of 30th.

“On Sunday, 34th instead of 33rd by a very small margin, and unfortunately, we were not fast enough on both days.

“I’m disappointed now, obviously it would be nice to be in the race next Sunday.

"I want to thank the team for all the efforts, we kept pushing,” he added. “We came here to race and to challenge ourselves and we were not quick enough.

“I congratulate all the other guys that did a better job, and hopefully, we'll see a nice show next Sunday, with everyone safe. I will be enjoying from the TV, unfortunately."